Nets CEO Talks Security, ‘Blackout’ At Barclays Center; Doors To Open Early

New York City police officers patrol outside Barclays Center on April 15, 2013, after the Boston Marathon bombings. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) New York City police officers patrol outside Barclays Center on April 15, 2013, after the Boston Marathon bombings. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Brooklyn Nets CEO Brett Yormark says the doors at Barclays Center will open early for ticket-holders Saturday as security around the city remains tight in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings.

The Nets will host the Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs on Saturday. Yormark told WFAN radio the doors would open at 6 p.m. for the scheduled 8 p.m. game.

Barclays Center normally opens its doors 90 minutes prior to tipoff.

Brett Yormark

“Security has been something we’ve been concentrating on from Day 1 since we arrived in Brooklyn,” Yormark told Craig Carton and Michelle Beadle. “And the goal from Day 1 was to provide our fans with a safe environment to enjoy Nets basketball and all events.”

Yormark also serves as CEO of Barclays Center, which opened for business in September.

He said the arena’s security plan includes wanding and magnetometers at every entrance, and detection dogs.

“We’re in constant contact with the NYPD,” Yormark said. “They have been terrific to work with since we opened the building. And obviously when there are things that we need to be concerned about, we are informed, and we react accordingly. Thankfully, we obviously have not had any incidents since we opened the building. It’s a safe place to go, it’s very family friendly. Thanks to the NYPD and our security team, I think we provide a great experience for our fans.”

As for the actual playoffs, Yormark wants fans to participate in a “blackout” — both in and out of Barclays.

“We’re asking everyone to wear black,” he said. “It’s kind of a rallying cry in Brooklyn. Whether you’re in the building or not, we want you to wear black. We want you to vote ‘Yes’ for the Nets.”

Saturday will mark the first postseason game in Brooklyn since 1956, when the Dodgers were still playing baseball in the borough.